With 3 minutes 22 seconds left in the third quarter and the Wizards leading the Bulls by 16 points, Chicago forward Luol Deng made a behind-the-back dribble just inside the three-point line to get around Gilbert Arenas. Deng had a clear path to the hoop when Hughes came charging hard from the side.

Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich tried to cut off Hughes, but Hughes shoved Hinrich into Deng, causing Deng to land awkwardly on his backside. "I did give him a nice push," Hughes said.

Hinrich took exception and approached Hughes, then Haywood pushed Hinrich. Haywood later said: "Somebody pushed me. I think it was him, Antonio Davis." He then pushed Davis with both hands. "It was uncalled for," Davis said.

As Davis motioned toward Haywood, Hughes pushed Davis and shouted at him. Then, Haywood swung at Davis, punching him in the face. Haywood backpedaled for about 15 feet, losing his footing before Davis ran through official Bill Kennedy to wrestle Haywood to the floor.

Davis, who was at that point atop the 7-foot Haywood, threw a punch before players from both teams piled on top of each other. Michael Ruffin grabbed Davis to pull him from Haywood, and Bulls forward Eddy Curry swung at Haywood's midsection.